Category — Sanibel Captiva

If you are on a search for Sanibel Island real estate then you certainly have an interest in moving to the area. Contacting a local real estate agent is a good start. Before you decide anything on buying, you may want to know some more facts about Sanibel and Captiva.

Soak in the sun in Sanibel Captiva, Florida

Captiva and Sanibel Island are both great places to live and work. Can you imagine living in such a tropical island paradise every day? Sanibel Island measures under twelve miles in length and only five miles at its widest point. Captive is less than half a mile wide! Even being so small, both islands still have public libraries and post offices. The Islands are a great location to raise children. The Sanibel School is for grades K-8th and has won national Blue Ribbons for excellence. A thriving PTA, free-swimming lessons and fine playgrounds are some of the added benefits. High school students usually ride the bus to the local Fort Myers High School. For little ones too small for school there are a number of nice daycare centers.

There may be some things here that are different from what you remember back at home, on the main land. Water increases the effects of the sun, and sunburns can happen quickly. Being sun smart is very important and includes using sunscreen daily and wearing hats and sunglasses, not to mention staying hydrated. The heat in summer time can easily turn your car into a coffin. Never leave a child or pet in a car, even for “just a moment”, as this can be fatal. Use common sense and you will be just fine living here.

Captive and Sanibel Island, Florida are both wonderful places to work and raise your family in. Enjoy the years flying by at this vacation-quality city. Check with local real estate agents and find the home of your dreams right now!

The city of Sanibel, Florida is located on a tropical island. Here people usually expect to see soft white sandy, a beautiful beach, and very rich foliage. The water is also crystal blue and very welcoming. These images are certainly contrasted by the recent BP oil spill disaster that has affected the Gulf Coast area. What about Sanibel? Any oil spill damage to speak of as of July 2010?

No, Sanibel has not been affected by the oil leak. However, tourism is still taking a nosedive and it’s making Sanibel merchants (and the entire tourism industry—a major part of the city) nervous. Despite the fact that there is no oil spill damage, many vacationers are canceling their plans or avoiding booking travel anywhere near Florida.

The tourism industry is indeed being held captive by oil spill notoriety. It is not the oil but the headlines that are hurting the city’s tourism. The city speculates the loss of tourism because of BP’s bad press could amount to millions of dollars.

Is it likely that the oil spill will come to Sanibel or Captiva? Oil damage is indeed great, but officials in the city say that it is unlikely the spill will reach so far southward. Nevertheless, city officials are monitoring the oil spill for the slight possibility that oil will start mixing with the ocean water. Experts are not denying the possibility that the oil spill will hit Florida—but do doubt it will reach the Sanibel area.

As Chamber of Commerce President Ric Base says, “Whenever [anyone] hears Florida, they hear the whole state of Florida.” City officials remain confident that the oil spill will be contained by the time the second tourist season arrives. There is still plenty of beauty to see in Sanibel and Captiva. Oil spill or not, tourism goes on. The beaches are not impacted by the disaster! Come enjoy yourself.

The current disastrous oil leak has all wildlife enthusiasts and vacationers alike scrambling to find out if the Sanibel oil leak is affecting the Captiva Island area. With oil covering roughly 2,500 square miles of ocean surface, and over 1,500,000 gallons of oil still pumping out today, it is no wonder everyone is in a panic.

Sanibel Island is made up of nearly 50% wildlife refuge and is also home to the famous Ding Darling Wildlife refuge. Birds such as pelicans, egrets, seagulls and even bald eagles have all been seen on the island. The island is also known for its vast variety of sea life and seashells. Sand dollars, mollusks, and scallops are popular finds here. Other wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and sometimes even dolphins and sharks can be spotted. With all this beautiful wildlife, the Sanibel oil slick is worrying everyone.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are taking precautions. One of these precautions is setting up boom barriers along targeted parts of the coastline in hopes that they will be able to protect the beaches, as well as the mangroves from any potential oil threats. There are also neighborhood beach watches, which are group activities that keep a close eye out for any signs of changes in the environment.

Wildlife lovers can relax for now, as there is no evidence of the oil spill reaching Sanibel Island. The Gulf’s wind patterns suggest that it is very unlikely the oil will ever reach Sanibel’s shores. Anxious vacationers can stop holding their breath as all signs point to clean beaches now and in the future.

Do not let the Sanibel Captiva oil scare make you cancel any plans you might have had for taking in the breathtaking sights of these paradise islands. The shelling is still top rate and the fish are still biting. Everyone could use a vacation and Sanibel Island is still ranked high in the hearts of wildlife lovers and vacationers alike.

Are There Any Devastating Effects of Oil Spills on the Islands?

The effects of an oil spill can be devastating. The future is on a lot of people’s minds recently, due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Many places are already seeing the effects and many others are worried about the effects to come. A large number of vacationers are searching for a Sanibel oil spill update, as they are worried about the effects of the spill on the island. What are some of the effects of an oil spill and what is the current news on the island?

One gallon of oil can make an oil slick as large across as a few acres of land. No wonder people are worrying with estimates as high as 2,500,000 gallons of oil being pumped into the ocean per day. With all that oil being spilled, the first concern is for the animals. The Sanibel Island is nearly half-animal refuge, so this is an incredibly worrisome event for animal enthusiasts. Oil can kill birds, as it breaks down the feathers, and they are unable to keep warm. Fish can mistake the oil for food, often ingesting it and dying from it. There really are no aquatic or coastal animals immune to the terrible effects of an oil spill.

Naturally, the Sanibel oil leak does have a lot of people worried. There is some good news at this point, however. That is this devastating event has not affected the beautiful beaches Of Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are a good distance away from the major damage area, nearby the Florida region.

Experts are predicting the islands off of Florida may well come out of it unscathed due to the Gulf’s current and good weather. Many travelers can relax their minds about the Sanibel oil spill affecting their vacation plans. The beaches and wildlife are thriving, and many precautions are being taken to keep the area looking sunny and safe.

One of my favorite things to do when I am on vacation is to seek out the perfect souvenir for all the unfortunate souls back home that didn’t get to visit paradise. For some of them, the perfect gift just always happens to be the silliest thing that I can get my hands on. For others, I try to find something meaningful that will let them know that I was thinking of them fondly. My best friend, for instance, is an artist, so I always try to seek out local artwork that I think he might enjoy. Another friend, and one of the funniest people that I know, always gets the coconut monkey or a t-shirt with a funny saying. When I’m done finding something for my friends and family, though, I like to find something just for me, so that I can remember my trip.

The best place to find all of these things on Sanibel Island in Florida is the famous Periwinkle Place. There are more than two dozen boutiques and shops that carry everything from the silly Florida souvenirs, to beachwear and accessories, to unique crafts and artwork. There are some fantastic shops that carry some high fashion clothing, as well as some creative accessories. You will be able to find something for everyone on your list, and then a few things for yourself!

When you are tired of shopping, there are also several coffee shops, bistros, restaurants, and bakeries where you can unwind. These eateries, such as The Blue Giraffe, will have many of your favorites, as well as some local cuisine. You can find some of the very best seafood you will ever eat, right here on Sanibel Island. All in all, Periwinkle Place is an experience that you shouldn’t pass up.

Whether you are a visitor to Sanibel and Captiva, or a longtime resident, you may be looking for just a little bit of romance to re-ignite your relationship. Let me tell you; you are in the very best place! There is nothing as romantic as a sunset stroll on the sugar sands of Captiva Island, Florida, unless, of course, it’s a moonlit stroll on the island of Sanibel.

There is a reason that so many couples get engaged on these islands, and it is the very same reason that brings them back to have their wedding here. There is a magic on tropical islands that no other place can duplicate. With the roar of the ocean waves and the subtle light of the moon, beautiful things can happen. When you pair that with the amazing facilities that Sanibel and Captiva can offer, then it’s really just silly to think about finding romance somewhere else.

Some of the most fantastic couples’ activities on the island might be things you have not yet thought of. For instance, have you ever considered booking a couples’ service at the Sanibel Day Spa? The staff there really knows how to heighten the romance, with amazing massages and some aesthetic treatments that will leave you feeling beautiful and confident.

In addition, you should check out some of the amazing restaurants that Sanibel and Captiva have to offer. You can book a table that overlooks the ocean and enjoy a glass of amazing wine with your loved one. The staff at these restaurants loves to see people in love, so don’t be afraid to make special requests. Whatever it takes to make your special night perfect, they will truly go out of their way to make it happen. Then, sit back and let the moonlight work its magic.

Sanibel Island, Florida, is located just off the coast of Fort Myers. As the name might suggest, the island is known for its staggeringly beautiful beaches. The sugar sand is known the world over for its beauty, and for the excellent sandcastles that it constructs. It would be silly to think that you might plan a vacation to Sanibel Island and never once step foot onto the beach. You can be sure, however, that they beach isn’t the only thing that Sanibel Island has to offer.

The island offers several bicycle rental shops, either in the hotels or in the towns. The bike trails on Sanibel Island are pretty famous for the wildlife and vegetation that can be seen. The island keeps the bicycle trails very well maintained, so there is no problem at all with taking some of the younger kids along for the ride. One of the most popular destinations is Sanibel Island’s historic lighthouse, which is an easy bike ride along the trails of the island. Keep an eye out for the alligators that like to sun themselves just a few yards off the bike trails!

If those alligators excite you, then you might want to check out the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. This is a guided tour that covers about one-third of Sanibel Island. You will be able to see hundreds of different species of birds, as well as many other endangered and threatened animals.

When the busy day is done, you don’t want to miss the sunset from the beaches of Sanibel Island. As the sun drops below the horizon, the result is an amazing burst of color that paints the skies and reflects in the waves of the ocean.

One of Florida’s most popular vacation destinations is Sanibel Island, which is home to several luxurious resorts, some pretty immaculate beaches, and a lighthouse the crowns the shore. You can find a seriously romantic getaway here, or you can bring along the whole family. There is something for everyone, really, no matter what you find interesting.

If you’re an active family that loves the outdoors, there’s no doubt that you’ll spend a lot of your time at the beach. With the sugar sands and placid waves, you can be sure that your family is safe and secure, which means that you can either relax or join in the fun! The soft, white sand is perfect for building sandcastles and other sculptures. The location of the island also means that there are always hundreds of shells to be found, which can keep children of all ages occupied for hours.

There are also several biking trails that crisscross the island, and they’re all well maintained. The whole family can feel the rush of wind in their hair as they ride along the paths and sidewalks, checking out the Florida wildlife and tropical vegetation. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, as the case may be), you might even see an alligator or two. You can rent the bicycles from your hotel in most cases, or there are several bike rental shops located throughout the island.

One of the most popular activities, though, is the dolphin-watching trip. There are several chartered boat excursions each day that depart from the hotels and resorts. Not only will you see the friendly dolphins, but you will also probably see some other water creatures and make friends with the seagulls. You can pack a lunch and make a day of it!

Whether you’re visiting Sanibel and Capitva, or you are a longtime resident, you will be thrilled with the many different entertainment venues that these islands can offer. Residents of the islands will especially enjoy the live theatre shows that are provided by Barrier Island Group for the Arts, or BIG Arts. Through BIG Arts, you can enjoy not only the many plays, musicals, and mime acts that are available throughout the year, but you can also participate in painting, dance, pottery, and drawing classes. If you are musically or theatrically inclined, the BIG Arts group is always looking for new cast members. If that wasn’t enough, the group also sponsors musical concerts and literary discussion groups.

Sanibel Island also sponsors the annual Sanibel Music Festival, which brings world renownd musicians to Sanibel in the month of March. These are classical musicians that present the very best of string quartets, piano concertos, operettas, and full orchestral concerts. The festival serves many purposes, but the greatest one is to bring the love and knowledge of music to the visitors and residents of the island.

If you are just looking for a great night out with your friends, you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for in the bars and clubs that dot the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. You and your friends can enjoy and evening with a nice brew, a game of pool, and an embarrassing round of karaoke before watching the latest sports event on one of the television screens.

You will love living on the islands! There is always something fun nearby, even if you are just not in the mood for another lazy day on the beach. Take a look at the city’s special events calendar, and start getting involved in all that Sanibel and Captiva have to offer.

If you are lucky enough to live on Sanibel Island, then you already know that Sanibel has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But then, if you live on Sanibel Island, you are probably looking for something to do besides going to the beach every day. If you have a craving for some entertainment that has nothing to do with the sand and spray, then you might want to consider a night of live theatre entertainment.

Luckily, there is a 414-seat performing hall right here on Sanibel, located on Periwinkle Way. BIG ARTS always has a big variety of shows, from mime to comedy, and from musicals to drama. On many occasions, you can be lucky enough to catch special shows that play for one night only. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of every production, as well as the talent that Sanibel Island has to offer. What is even better, you will receive an enriching experience that you will remember for years to come. With a little bit of help from you and other residents of Sanibel through support projects and fundraisers, the BIG ARTS Theatre hopes to be around for many years to come.

Of course, BIG ARTS is a community theater, and a relatively small one, at that. If you are looking for something a bit bigger, or hoping to find a professional ensemble, then you will have to drive a bit to Fort Myers. There, you will find the Florida Repertory Theatre, which offers a year-round season and many educational programs that are focused toward children. You can see productions on a grander scale, as well as participate in some of the fundraising activities that keep the live entertainment venue going from year to year.